orientation
noun
ori·en·ta·tion
ˌȯr-ē-ən-ˈtā-shən 
-ˌen-
plural orientations
1
a
: the act or process of orienting or of being oriented
These materials are for the orientation of new employees.
b
: the state of being oriented
the orientation of the main altar of the church
2
a
: a usually general or lasting direction of thought, inclination, or interest
the fundamentally human orientation of Greek art—
Bruce Cole
Bruce ColeThis company has a decidedly conservative orientation.
b
: a person's sexual identity or self-identification as bisexual, straight, gay, lesbian, pansexual, etc. : the state of being bisexual, straight, gay, lesbian, pansexual, etc. : sexual orientation
3
: change of position by organs, organelles, or organisms in response to external stimulus
The plant's orientation is toward light.
orientationally
adverb
Examples of orientation in a Sentence
These materials are used for the orientation of new employees.
They identified as bisexual in orientation.
The organization has a decidedly conservative orientation.
Her later works were more introspective in orientation.
New students need to go through a short orientation before they begin classes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Those who work in news are less likely to express a clear political orientation than those that don't.
—Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024
The race was close enough that Rollins attended new member orientation in Washington before California’s late returns showed victory for Calvert.
—Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
Petro’s academic orientation is reflected in his governance style too, with a firm adherence to principles over practicality.
—Justin Worland/bogotá, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024
Porte Jacquemus and Maestri were clear about their family orientation from the start.
—Nathan Heller, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for orientation 
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Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024
The race was close enough that Rollins attended new member orientation in Washington before California’s late returns showed victory for Calvert.
—Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
Petro’s academic orientation is reflected in his governance style too, with a firm adherence to principles over practicality.
—Justin Worland/bogotá, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024
Porte Jacquemus and Maestri were clear about their family orientation from the start.
—Nathan Heller, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for orientation
Articles Related to orientation
Dictionary Entries Near orientation
Cite this Entry
“Orientation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orientation. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
orientation
noun
ori·en·ta·tion
ˌōr-ē-ən-ˈtā-shən
ˌȯr-ē-ˌen-
1
a
: the act or process of orienting or of being oriented
b
: the state of being oriented
2
a
: a usually general or lasting direction of thought, inclination, or interest
b
: a person's sexual identity or self-identification
bisexual in orientation
3
: change of position by a cell or organism or by one of their parts in response to outside stimulus
Medical Definition
orientation
noun
ori·en·ta·tion
ˌōr-ē-ən-ˈtā-shən, ˌȯr-, -ˌen-
2
: a usually general or lasting direction of thought, inclination, or interest see sexual orientation
3
: change of position by organs, organelles, or organisms in response to external stimulus
4
: awareness of the existing situation with reference to time, place, and identity of persons
psychological orientation
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